High von Willebrand factor levels increase the risk of first ischemic stroke -: Influence of ADAMTS13, inflammation, and genetic variability

Tamara N. Bongers, Moniek P. M. de Maat, Mary-Lou P. J. van Goor, Vinod Bhagwanbali, Huub H. D. M. van Vilet, Encarna B. Gomez Garcia, Diederik W. J. Dippel, Frank W. G. Leebeek

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background and Purpose-Elevated von Willebrand factor (vWF) concentrations are associated with an increased risk of ischemic heart disease. Several factors influence vWF antigen levels and activity, including blood group, genetic variability, acute-phase response, and proteolysis by A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease with ThromboSpondin motif (ADAMTS 13), a determinant of proteolytic cleavage of vWF. We assessed how these factors affect the relation between vWF and the occurrence of stroke to understand the underlying mechanism.Methods-In a case-control study of 124 first-ever ischemic stroke patients and 125 age- and sex-matched controls, we studied vWF antigen (vWF:Ag), vWF ristocetin cofactor activity (vWF:RCo), ADAMTS13 activity, the -1793C/G polymorphism in the vWF gene, and C-reactive protein.Results-vWF antigen and activity levels were significantly higher in cases than in controls. The relative risk of ischemic stroke was highest in individuals in the upper quartile of vWF:Ag (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.4 to 7.5) and vWF:RCo (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% CI, 0.9 to 4.8) compared with individuals in the lowest quartiles. In individuals with ADAMTS 13 in the lowest quartile, the relative risk of stroke was 1.7 (95% CI, 0.7 to 3.9) compared with the highest quartile. C-reactive protein, ADAMTS 13, and genetic variation did not affect the association between vWF and the relative risk of stroke, whereas blood group did affect the association.Conclusions-vWF antigen and activity are associated with the occurrence of acute ischemic stroke. This relation is unaffected by the severity of the acute-phase response or by genetic variation or degradation.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2672-2677
Number of pages6
JournalStroke
Volume37
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adamts13
  • Hemostasis
  • Ischemic stroke
  • von Willebrand factor

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